All that has been done to the alleged assailants of two West Ridge High School pupils is that they’ve been suspended.
The outcome of a disciplinary hearing held with regards to the assault incidents in November last year has not yet been decided, the Department of Education (DoE) told the Record.
West Ridge assault: Mother storms out of hearing
In a press release dated 15 January, DoE spokesperson Oupa Bodibe said the alleged perpetrators remain under suspension and do not attend school.
“The findings and recommendations of the disciplinary hearing have been forwarded to the Head of Department for his consideration,” Bodibe said.
“Once the Head of Department has made a determination the department will communicate this to all relevant stakeholders.”
Both assaulted boys back at school
In the meanwhile both boys who were assaulted commenced their matric year on Wednesday, 13 January. One boy, whose hand was broken in two places during his assault, is still undergoing therapy but has the use of his hand back, his mother told the Record.
“My son is doing well, and we haven’t had problems at the school this year yet. So far, so good,” she said.
Photos: Kidney failure looming for assaulted boy
She had to hear the suspects were suspended via the grapevine, she said, and has to date not been able to get face-time with controversial principal Sydney Mashige.
The family of the second assault victim could not be reached for comment.
The Record contacted a member of the school’s governing body (SGB), but she was not willing to engage about the disciplinary hearing and said the SGB has not yet met this year.
Alleged assailants back in court in February
Three suspects who were arrested in connection with the assault of one of the boys by the Roodepoort Police are due to appear in court for the second time on 10 February. This extension was made after they appeared on 3 December to allow for further investigation.
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Also read: Boy discharged from hospital after school assault
Matriculants speak out: You have to take a beating before you leave
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